listen in
To listen to something — either a radio programme or a conversation that may not be meant for you.
Meanings
To listen to a radio broadcast, online session, or event.
"Thousands of people listened in to the live radio debate from their cars."
To listen secretly or without permission to a private conversation or communication.
"She suspected that her employer was listening in on her phone calls."
"The NSA has been listening in on the phone calls of ordinary Americans."
— Common journalistic formulation widely used during NSA surveillance reporting, e.g. The Guardian, 2013
Has two key senses: (1) legitimate listening to a broadcast or public event; (2) covert listening to a private communication. Context usually makes the meaning clear. Common across British and American English. Often followed by 'on' + noun: 'listen in on the call'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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